Space Mountain has never been the kind of Disney attraction that simply stays frozen in time.For decades, Disney Imagineers have found new ways to send guests into the darkness, changing soundtracks, stories, effects, ride systems, and even entire versions of the attraction. Some updates have lasted only for special events, while others have completely replaced what guests experienced for years.Now, Disney is reaching back into Space Mountain history for something fans haven’t experienced in working form since 2009.And while one Disney resort is preparing to revive a piece of the past, another is getting ready to take Space Mountain somewhere completely new.Space Mountain Has Never Stopped EvolvingLong before Disney began building massive coaster experiences around Marvel and Star Wars, Space Mountain proved an indoor roller coaster could become one of a theme park’s signature attractions.The original Space Mountain opened at Magic Kingdom in 1975. Disneyland followed with its own version in 1977, while Tokyo Disneyland introduced Space Mountain in 1983. Disneyland Paris opened Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune in 1995, and Hong Kong Disneyland joined the lineup in 2005.But sharing the Space Mountain name has never meant every version remains identical.Disneyland has received temporary transformations, including Rockin’ Space Mountain, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, and Hyperspace Mountain. Hong Kong Disneyland also transformed its attraction into a Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Mountain experience.Disneyland Paris has undergone some of the biggest changes.Its original attraction drew heavily from Jules Verne’s vision of space travel. Disney eventually replaced that experience with Space Mountain: Mission 2 in 2005, sending riders beyond the Moon and farther into space. Years later, another transformation brought Star Wars into the attraction through Hyperspace Mountain.After years of moving forward, however, Disneyland Paris is preparing to look backward.Credit: DisneyDisney Is Bringing Back a Piece of HistoryDuring D23 earlier this month, Disney confirmed that the current Hyperspace Mountain will eventually make way for a new interpretation of Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.The project will bring back the Jules Verne inspiration that defined the attraction when it opened in 1995. Disney also plans to restore its original musical score while introducing updated effects, scenic details, queue elements, and modern technology. Hyperspace Mountain is currently scheduled to close at the end of 2027 before undergoing a several-month refurbishment.But one returning element could be especially noticeable.Imagineers confirmed that the 22-meter-long Columbiad Cannon will once again become an active part of the experience.In the original storyline, the Baltimore Gun Club created the enormous cannon to launch “moontrains” toward the Moon. The elaborate structure features the Baltimore Gun Club logo, an archer, colorful decorations, and smiling sun designs.The cannon hasn’t operated as intended since 2009, after repeated breakdowns left it stationary. That means guests haven’t experienced the working effect in approximately 17 years.Disney now intends to change that.Once restored, the cannon will be part of the attraction’s dramatic launch, with riders accelerating from zero to 44 mph in less than two seconds. Disney has also teased new effects that will enhance the blast sequence.And Disney isn’t only bringing attention back to the real cannon.Credit: Avvie Cunnington, FlickrAnother Piece of the Attraction Is Returning SoonFans won’t have to wait for the ride’s transformation to get their hands on something connected to the Columbiad Cannon.A limited-edition replica figure of the Space Mountain feature is returning to Disneyland Paris.Disney will begin selling the collectible on September 4 while supplies last. Guests can find it at Deco by Disney in Disney Village and at Harrington’s Fine China & Porcelain on Main Street, U.S.A.The timing makes the merchandise return particularly interesting.Disney announced the collectible shortly after confirming plans to restore the real Columbiad Cannon. What was once a piece of Space Mountain history is preparing to become part of the active attraction again.However, Disneyland Paris isn’t the only Disney destination preparing for a major Space Mountain project.Across the world, another version is heading in almost the opposite direction.Credit: Gilbert Sopakuwa, FlickrAnother Space Mountain Is Heading Into the FutureTokyo Disneyland is preparing to introduce Space Mountain Earthrise in 2027.Despite retaining Space Mountain in its name, Earthrise won’t simply be a refresh of the former attraction. Disney is developing a new indoor roller coaster with a different architecture, a new ride system, theatrical effects, and an entirely new storyline.Guests will launch away from Earth and travel deeper into the cosmos as lighting and audio effects recreate different space phenomena around them. For the first time on a Tokyo Disney Resort roller coaster, the ride vehicles will also feature onboard audio.The term “Earthrise” refers to the sight of Earth appearing over the Moon’s horizon when viewed from space. Disney says the attraction will use that idea to emphasize Earth’s beauty and its place within the universe.So while the familiar Space Mountain spirit will survive, nearly everything surrounding it is being rebuilt for a new generation.Credit: DisneySpace Mountain’s Past and Future Are CollidingDisney’s latest plans show just how differently the company can approach one of its most famous attractions.Tokyo Disneyland is rebuilding Space Mountain around a new ride system and story. Disneyland Paris, meanwhile, is rediscovering the Jules Verne identity that made its version stand apart in the first place.For Disneyland Paris guests, that includes something they haven’t seen working since 2009.After roughly 17 years sitting stationary, the Columbiad Cannon is preparing to fire again—and send a new generation of Space Mountain riders toward the Moon.The post Official: After 17-Year Absence, Disneyland Confirms Return of Historic Space Mountain Feature appeared first on Inside the Magic.